Jeffery Pub

Gay bar · Chicago South Shore

Jeffery Pub in South Shore is considered one of the oldest Black-owned gay bars in the US and has been operating since the early 1960s. For a long time it was the only established LGBTQ+ meeting place on the South Side.

• Since the 1960s
• DJ nights until 4 am

Address

7041 S Jeffery Blvd
60649 Chicago

Opening hours

Wed 6 pm–4 am
Thu 9.30 pm–4 am
Fri 8 pm–4 am
Sat 8 pm–5 am
Sun 12 pm–4 am
Mon and Tue closed

Crowd

Mixed, mostly Black gay men from the neighbourhood

Programme

DJ sets Thu–Sun with hip-hop, R&B and house, drag shows, karaoke, SilkySoul Sundays with dinner and show

Location

South Shore, corner of Jeffery Blvd/71st St, right by the rainbow crosswalk

What makes Jeffery Pub special

The pub started as an ordinary bar and became a queer meeting place when patrons of the closed Maxine’s moved here. Today owner Jamal Junior DJs himself at weekends, plus there is drag and karaoke. Since 2024 there has been a Progress Pride crosswalk outside the door. Reviews praise the music and the Sunday atmosphere; drink prices and cover charges are sometimes criticised.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Out x Out (listing 2026), GayOut (opening hours, Google 3.9 from 306 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.